Connecticut General Statutes 19a-179f – Transport of patient to an alternate destination
(a) A licensed or certified emergency medical services organization or provider may transport a patient by ambulance to an alternate destination, in consultation with the medical director of a sponsor hospital.
Terms Used In Connecticut General Statutes 19a-179f
- Alternate destination: means a destination other than an emergency department that is a medically appropriate facility. See Connecticut General Statutes 19a-175
- Ambulance: means a motor vehicle specifically designed to carry patients. See Connecticut General Statutes 19a-175
- Office of Emergency Medical Services: means the office established within the Department of Public Health pursuant to section 19a-178. See Connecticut General Statutes 19a-175
- Patient: means an injured or ill person or a person with a physical disability requiring assistance and transportation. See Connecticut General Statutes 19a-175
- Sponsor hospital: means a hospital that has agreed to maintain staff for the provision of medical oversight, supervision and direction to an emergency medical service organization and its personnel and has been approved for such activity by the Department of Public Health. See Connecticut General Statutes 19a-175
(b) On or before January 1, 2024, the Office of Emergency Medical Services shall develop protocols for a licensed or certified emergency medical services organization or provider to transport a pediatric patient with mental or behavioral health needs by ambulance to an urgent crisis center. As used in this subsection, “urgent crisis center” means a center licensed by the Department of Children and Families that is dedicated to treating children’s urgent mental or behavioral health needs.
(c) Any ambulance used for transport to an alternate destination under subsection (a) or (b) of this section shall meet the requirements for a basic level ambulance, as prescribed in regulations adopted pursuant to section 19a-179, including requirements concerning medically necessary supplies and services.